Few desserts embody the coziness of autumn as perfectly as a homemade Apple Spice Cake crowned with silky brown sugar frosting. From the moment it bakes, your kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves — a fragrance that feels like fall in every breath. The cake itself is soft, moist, and speckled with juicy apple pieces, while the frosting adds a caramel-like sweetness that ties it all together beautifully.
This recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s about creating memories. The first time I baked this cake was for my grandmother’s Sunday dinner, and I can still picture the family gathered around the table, eagerly waiting for that first slice. Even before cutting it, the kids were already asking about the frosting! One bite was all it took to make it a family favorite. Since then, it has found its way into countless celebrations — from cozy fall weekends to Thanksgiving tables, and even as a special birthday cake for those born in apple season. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s tradition, comfort, and joy baked into every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
- A true taste of fall – With warming spices and chunks of apple in every bite, this cake is the ultimate autumn comfort.
- Soft and moist texture – A touch of sour cream keeps the crumb tender and packed with flavor.
- Irresistible frosting – The brown sugar frosting delivers a caramel-like sweetness that spreads smoothly over the cake.
- Crowd-pleasing – From kids to adults, no one can resist a slice.
- Great for planning ahead – Both the cake and frosting can be made in advance, making entertaining stress-free.
- Bakes your way – Prepare it in a classic round or square pan, or turn it into cupcakes for a fun twist.
Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a moist, tender cake loaded with warm fall spices and fresh apples, topped with a rich caramel-like frosting. Perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a comforting dessert any time of year.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 50minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1hour 10minutes 1x
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled cored, and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, combine butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then boil 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
- Frosting thickens as it cools, so spread quickly.
- Store cake covered at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Can be baked in a 9×13-inch pan (shorter bake time) or as cupcakes (20–22 minutes).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380 kcal
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Balances the acidity of the sour cream.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Brings warmth and spice.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds depth to the flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – A little goes a long way!
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Room temperature is key for creaming.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Provide richness and binding.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors.
- 1 cup sour cream – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples) – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best.
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Forms the creamy base.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Gives the frosting its caramel-like flavor.
- ¼ cup milk – Thins out the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 3 cups powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, spreadable texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Baking the Cake
- Preheat oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line with parchment paper. - Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside. - Cream butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. - Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Alternate flour and sour cream
Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined. - Fold in apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples. The batter will be thick and fragrant. - Bake the cake
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool completely
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Looking for More Festive Pairings?
If you’re looking for more fun and festive drinks to pair with your baking, I’ve got you covered! Discover the magic and add a little sparkle to your next gathering with my Fairy Dust Shots, Mermaid’s Sparkle Punch, and Halloween Margaritas recipes. Each one is colorful, playful, and guaranteed to wow your guests — just click here to explore them all in my Halloween Graveyard Dirt Cups collection.
Making the Brown Sugar Frosting
- Cook the base
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and milk. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. - Cool slightly
Remove from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes until just warm. - Add powdered sugar and vanilla
Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. If too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. - Frost the cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread frosting evenly over the top. Work quickly, as the frosting firms up as it cools.
Serving and Storage Tips
This Apple Spice Cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, when the frosting has set just enough to hold its shape and the flavors of the apples and spices are at their peak. For a true fall moment, pair each slice with a steaming cup of coffee, spiced chai, or warm apple cider.
Storage
- Room temperature – Keep the frosted cake covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator – Store for up to 5 days; let it sit at room temperature before serving.
- Freezer – Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing for the best texture.
Helpful Notes
- Choose your apples wisely – Tart varieties like Granny Smith give balance, while sweet ones such as Fuji or Honeycrisp make the cake richer.
- Don’t skip the sour cream – It’s the key to keeping the crumb moist for days.
- Frosting trick – Let the frosting cool just enough to thicken before spreading, or it may slide down the sides.
- Different pans, different options – Bake in a 9×13-inch dish (slightly shorter baking time) or make 12 cupcakes (about 20–22 minutes).
- Nutty upgrade – Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Spice it up – A pinch of cardamom adds an unexpected twist to the classic flavor.
Conclusion
Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is more than just a seasonal treat — it’s a celebration of everything we love about fall. From the warm spices and tender apple-filled crumb to the rich caramel-like frosting, every bite brings comfort and nostalgia. Whether you serve it at a family gathering, add it to your Thanksgiving table, or enjoy it with a quiet cup of coffee on a crisp afternoon, this cake is guaranteed to become a go-to recipe year after year. Bake it once, and it might just become a new tradition in your home.